Poems by
Azeem S. Khan REMEMBERING TO FORGET A beautiful world difficult to see Tainted by the people before me. Seeds of judgment and intolerance planted, As the farmers nurture them and wait for their harvest. Hate—a family tradition. Dishonor, honored by murder and shaming. The children shall suffer and hate— And so the family tradition continues. I open my mind and ears to my elders, But close my heart to some of their learnt wisdom. I fall asleep knowing that I am an improved model of the ones before me, And dream that the ones to come shall be an improve model of me.
TORTURE A victorious name with a walk like iron. The presence of a conqueror, with the strength of a lion. The waves of your hair can calm me down when I’m angry. With your honey-brown skin I can sweeten my tea. Your startling eyes lure me in with a smile so bright that can light my way to sin…. With stolen glances I see your vibrancy. With passing words I know your compassion. From a safe distance I see us together. But I don’t think you know this—and that is torture.
Situations 16
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